Ghana’s Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, has conceded defeat to John Dramani Mahama in the country’s presidential election.
Bawumia, the candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), acknowledged Mahama’s victory after results showed the former president securing 976,644 votes, representing 56.39% of the total, compared to Bawumia’s 738,493 votes (42.64%).
Speaking at a press conference at his residence on Sunday, ahead of the official results announcement by the Electoral Commission, Bawumia said his decision was in the nation’s best interest and confirmed he had called Mahama to congratulate him.
“Let me say that the data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential election decisively,” Bawumia stated.
He added that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had also secured a majority in the parliamentary elections, though some results were still being finalized.
Bawumia emphasised the importance of maintaining Ghana’s reputation for peace and democracy, particularly to reassure the global investment community.
“I am making this concession speech before the official announcement by the electoral commission to avoid further tension and preserve the peace of our country.
“It is important that the world investor community continues to believe in the peaceful and democratic character of Ghana,” he said.
Accepting the outcome “with all humility,” Bawumia reaffirmed his commitment to Ghana’s democratic principles.
Mahama, who served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2016 and lost his re-election bid to Nana Akufo-Addo in 2016, is set to return to power.
He is expected to be sworn in as president in January 2025, marking a new chapter for Ghana amid efforts to rebuild its economy and address lingering challenges.
